Wisconsin Biodiesel in

Trucks and Commercial Fleets

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Blends

In an effort to limit harmful emissions from diesel engines, the federal government has mandated the virtual elimination of sulfur from our diesel supply. The process by which sulfur is removed frompetroleum diesel in the refining process to create Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) greatly reduces the lubricity of the fuel. This loss of lubrication threatens failure of critical fuel system components (i.e. fuel pumps; injectors; etc) that rely upon the diesel fuel itself to provide internal lubrication.

The advent of ULSD requires additives be introduced to the petroleum diesel product to raise lubricity to acceptable levels. Biodiesel is determined to be a superior additive in this application for the following reasons:

• Biodiesel is extremely slippery. At a level of 2% biodiesel added to ULSD (B2), the lubricity level of ULSD is raised to a level that meets or exceeds industry standards.

• Biodiesel is itself “sulfur free.”

• Biodiesel is a fuel in addition to being an “additive.” It therefore contributes to the mission of the fuel product while providing the additive benefit. It also limits the need for exact measurement in applying an additive formula. In fact, many fleet operators and truckers maintain levels of biodiesel in their fuel supply at concentrations higher than B2 to take advantage of increased lubricity and to access the many other benefits of biodiesel.

Fuel Mileage

Biodiesel provides only slightly less “power per gallon” (btu’s) than does the petroleum it replaces. In most applications, only a slight reduction in fuel mileage (if any at all) will be noticed at levels of B20 or less. Most fleet operators in fact realize cost savings as a result of the cleaner fuel systems and other benefits realized in using biodiesel in their fuel supply. In addition, they gain satisfaction in helping reduce our dependence upon foreign oil while substantially lowering emissions from diesel exhaust.

The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association welcomes opportunity to discuss with fleet owners, owner-operators and others the benefits of incorporating biodiesel in their fuel supply as an alternative to petroleum. We maintain a complete listing of retail and wholesale distributors, and can refer truck owners to the most convenient source to procure Wisconsin biodiesel for their operation.

The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association has available a great number of resources offering information about the use of biodiesel in trucks and commercial fleet applications. We can assist in locating suppliers that can provide biodiesel for your fuel needs, whether you maintain your own fuel delivery systems or access your fuel from retail outlets Contact WBA for additional information on the many ways in which biodiesel can provide “Homegrown Fuel for a Better Wisconsin.”